To begin with, rational choice Marxism, promised to construct historical explanations and social theories with clarity and rigour. Subsequently, it took a `political turn' in addressing issues of class and production, and the prospects for electoral socialism. This anthology commences with the founding classics - Erik Olin Wright's `What is Analytical Marxism?' and Alan Carling's spirited challenge to the Marxist establishment - which are answered with critical responses detailed by Ellen Meiksins Wood and Michael Burawoy in previously uncollected debates. Also included are further debates charting the historical progression of rational choice Marxism. The editors demonstrate that the clarity and rigour originally promised by the rational choice Marxists was never in fact achieved, but that rational choice Marxism has considerably enhanced the theoretical treatment of class and production in a world of commodification and difference. To begin with, rational choice Marxism, promised to construct historical explanations and social theories with clarity and rigour. Subsequently, it took a ̀political turn' in addressing issues of class and production, and the prospects for electoral socialism. This anthology commences with the founding classics - Erik Olin Wright's Ẁhat is Analytical Marxism?' and Alan Carling's spirited challenge to the Marxist establishment - which are answered with critical responses detailed by Ellen Meiksins Wood and Michael Burawoy in previously uncollected debates. Also included are further debates charting the historical progression of rational choice Marxism. The editors demonstrate that the clarity and rigour originally promised by the rational choice Marxists was never in fact achieved, but that rational choice Marxism has considerably enhanced the theoretical treatment of class and production in a world of commodification and difference Front Matter....Pages i-viii Introduction....Pages 1-10 What is Analytical Marxism?....Pages 11-30 Rational Choice Marxism....Pages 31-78 Rational Choice Marxism: Is the Game Worth the Candle?....Pages 79-135 Marxism without Micro-Foundations....Pages 136-166 Class, Production and Politics: A Reply to Burawoy....Pages 167-190 Mythological Individualism — The Metaphysical Foundation of Analytical Marxism....Pages 191-199 Social Democracy and Rational Choice Marxism....Pages 200-230 Marx and Methodological Individualism....Pages 231-257 Philosophical Foundations of Analytical Marxism....Pages 258-274 The Limits of Rational Choice Theory....Pages 275-300 Rational Choice Marxism and Postmodern Feminism: Towards a More Meaningful Incomprehension....Pages 301-323 Back Matter....Pages 324-338
